Munro College

Christmas Term 2022

Teacher: Mr.Elliot
Email: Quashawnsmith.stu2019@munrocollege.edu.jm

4th Form Block B

Information Technology
Introduction

What are Computer’s?

A computer is a digital electronic device that can be programmed to perform automatic

computations involving a series of mathematical or logical operations. Programs are generic
sets of operations that modern computers can perform. These programs allow computers to
perform a variety of tasks. A computer system is a "complete" computer that includes the
necessary hardware, operating system (main software), and peripheral equipment for "full"
operation. This term can also refer to a collection of computers that are linked and work
together, such as a computer network or a computer cluster.

Table of contents
1.Super computers

2.Mainframe computers

3.Desktop computer systems

4.Mobile devices

5.Embedded devices
Supercomputers.
What are super computers?

A supercomputer is a type of extremely powerful digital computer.

The term is commonly applied to the most powerful
high-performance systems available at any given time; modern
personal computers outperform supercomputers from just a few
years ago. Supercomputers are primarily used for scientific and
engineering applications. Unlike traditional computers, they
typically have multiple CPUs that operate in parallel
(simultaneously); even higher-performance supercomputers are now
being developed using massively parallel processing, which
incorporates thousands of individual processors. Supercomputers
have massive storage capacity and extremely fast input/output
capabilities, and they can operate in parallel on corresponding
elements of numerical arrays rather than on one pair of elements at
a time.

distinguishing characteristics.
Supercomputers have distinct characteristics. In contrast to traditional
computers, they typically have more than one CPU (central processing unit),
which contains circuits for interpreting program instructions and sequentially
executing arithmetic and logic operations. The physical limits of circuit
technology increase the use of multiple CPUs to achieve high computational
rates.

Processor and memory circuits in various supercomputer systems are

immersed in cryogenic fluid to achieve the lowest temperatures at which they
operate the fastest). To support the extremely high computational speed of
CPUs, rapid retrieval of stored data and instructions required. As a result,
most supercomputers have extremely large storage capacities as well as
extremely fast input/output capabilities. Supercomputers were first used in
national security applications such as nuclear weapon design and
cryptography. They are now commonly used in the aerospace, petroleum, and
automotive industries. Furthermore, supercomputers have found widespread
use in engineering and scientific research, such as studies of the structure of
subatomic particles and the origin and nature of the universe.
Supercomputers have very high storage capacity and can store thousands of
times more data than an average personal computer.

● Super computers are different from other computers in a way that they
deal with more scientific and research based operations unlike
mainframe computers which are typically used in bulk data handling
operations , large scale data handing operations and large scale
financial transaction processing.
Mainframe Computers.

What are mainframe computers? Mainframes are high-performance

computers with large amounts of memory and processors that process billions
of simple calculations and transactions in real time. The mainframe is critical
to commercial databases, transaction servers, and applications that require
high resiliency, security and agility.A mainframe computer, also known as a
big iron or a mainframe, is a computer that is primarily used by large
organizations for critical applications such as bulk data processing for tasks
such as censuses, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource
planning, and large-scale transaction processing. A mainframe computer is
larger than a supercomputer but smaller than a minicomputer and has more
processing power than other types of computers such as minicomputers,
servers, workstations, and personal computers. The majority of large-scale
computer-system architectures were developed in the 1960s, but they are still
evolving. Servers are frequently run on mainframe computers. The term
"mainframe" came from the large cabinet, known as a "main frame,"
Design
1. Modern mainframe design is characterized less by raw computational
speed and more by:
2. Redundant internal engineering resulting in high reliability and security
3. Extensive input-output ("I/O") facilities with the ability to offload to
separate engines
4. Strict backward compatibility with older software
5. High hardware and computational utilization rates through
virtualization to support massive throughput.
6. Hot-swapping of hardware, such as processors and memory

Characteristics

● They have bigger memory capacity.

● Have high processing power.
● It supports multiprocessing.
● Supports large number of users at the same time/ Supports several
peripheral devices.
● Runs so many applications at the same time.

Difference between a mainframe and a supercomputer

Mainframe computers are used in large scale organization whereas

super computers are considered to be fast with regardless of its
size.

Mainframes are generally called as an operating system whereas

super computers are a mini computers.
Mainframe computers were introduced in 1975. A mainframe computer
is a large computer in term of price, power and speed. It is more
powerful than mini computer. Mainframe computer can serve up to
50,000 users simultaneously. Its price is $5000 to $5 million. These
computers can store large amount of data, information and instructions.
The users access a mainframe computer through terminal or personal
computer.

A typical mainframe computer can execute 16 million instructions per

second. Qualified operators and programmers are required to use these
computers. Mainframe computers can accept all types of high-level
languages. Different types of peripheral devices can be attached with
mainframe computer.

Examples:

1- IBM4381

2- NEC 610

3- DEC 10 etc.

Super Computer: Super computer were introduced in 1980. Super

computer is the biggest in size and the most expensive in price than any
other computers. It is the most sophisticated, complex and advanced
computer. It has very large storage capacity. It can process trillions of
instructions in one second. Its price is $500000 to $350 million. Super
computer use high speed facilities such as satellite for online processing
Examples: 1.CRAY-XP, 2.ETA-10 etc.
Desktop Computer systems

What is a desktop computer system? Due to its size and power

requirements, a desktop computer is a personal computer designed for
regular use at a single location on or near a desk. The most common
configuration includes a case that houses the power supply, motherboard
(a printed circuit board with a microprocessor as the central processing
unit, memory, bus, certain peripherals, and other electronic
components), disk storage (typically one or more hard disk drives, solid
state drives, optical disc drives, and, in early models, a floppy disk
drive); a keyboard and mouse for input; and a computer monitor,
speakers, and, frequently, a printer for output. The case can be placed
horizontally or vertically, underneath, beside, or on top of a desk.
Core features and components.
A desktop computer includes the processor, which can be a microtower
or minitower designed to fit under the desk or a unit that goes on top of
the desk. It also includes a motherboard, the main circuit board for the
computer. Desktop computer motherboards are generally standardized
on Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX), microATX or Balanced
Technology eXtended form factors. The desktop computer also houses
disk storage.

Almost all desktop computers include a built-in modem and

multi-gigabyte magnetic storage drive. They also feature standard
extension slots such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
(PCIe). They require an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which
means they must be plugged in at all times to function.

It is common for desktop computer users to pair the device with a

printer. It is possible to interconnect desktop computers across a local
area network (LAN) so users can share resources across devices and
connect to peripherals such as printers.

Differences between desktops and other computers

Desktops need to stay plugged in on a desk in a office or home unlike a

laptop which has more mobility and which is more portable

Desktops are for home,personal and office use and aren’t really
anywhere near a mainframe or supercomputers level but since
computers have gotten more modern desktop computers components can
be upgraded to beat older mainframe and supercomputer speeds.
Mobile devices
What are mobile devices?A mobile device (also known as a
handheld computer) is a computer that is small enough to be held and
operated in the hand. Handheld computer devices will typically have an
LCD or OLED flat screen interface, which will provide a touchscreen
interface with digital buttons and a keyboard, or physical buttons in
addition to a physical keyboard. Many of these devices have the ability
to connect to the Internet and communicate with other devices such as
car entertainment systems or headsets via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular
networks, or near field communication (NFC). Common features include
integrated cameras, the ability to make and receive voice and video
phone calls, video games, and Global Positioning System (GPS)
capabilities. A lithium-ion battery is typically used to provide power.
Mobile devices may run mobile operating systems that enable the
installation and use of third-party applications.

Characteristics (device mobility can be viewed in different contexts)

● Physical dimensions and weight

● Whether the device is mobile or some kind of host to which it is
attached is mobile
● To what kind of host devices can it be bound
● How devices communicate with a host
● When the mobility occurs
Types of mobile devices

● Mobile computers
● Tablet computer
● Netbook
● Digital media player
● Enterprise digital assistant
● Graphing calculator
● Handheld game console
● Handheld PC
● Laptop
● Mobile Internet device (MID)
● Personal digital assistant (PDA)
● Pocket calculator
● Portable media player
● Ultra-mobile PC
● Mobile phones
● Camera phones
● Feature phones
● Smartphones
Mobile devices vs desktop devices
A major difference between a desktop and mobile device lies in a data plan vs. the need to
have a constant wifi connection. Mobile devices have the advantage of being able to tap
into a cellular network to stay connected to the web, while a desktop most of the time only
has a WiFi connection to take advantage of.connectivity and device access. On the other
hand, the desktop OS handles the software and hardware resources of the system.
MobileOS runs on touchscreen or touchpad devices. On the other hand, the desktop OS
runs through many input devices, including mouse, keyboard, etc.
Embedded devices
What are embedded devices

An embedded device is a computer system—a combination of a computer processor,

computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices—that has a dedicated
function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It is embedded as part of a
complete device often including electrical or electronic hardware and mechanical
parts. Because an embedded system typically controls physical operations of the
machine that it is embedded within, it often has real-time computing constraints.
Embedded systems control many devices in common use today.

Examples of standalone embedded systems include:

● Digital cameras
● Digital wristwatches
● MP3 players
● Appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens
● Temperature measurement systems
● Calculators

Examples of real-time embedded systems include:

● Aircraft controls
● Land-vehicle and flight computers that process and transmit sensor-acquired
data
● Missile defense system controls
● Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle controls

Differences between embedded and other computer devices

Embedded Devices are less complex devices than Computers. Computers may be
installed in other devices but are self-sufficient to exist. Embedded Devices only
exist inside other Systems. Computers are more Difficult when used, compared to
an Embedded System. Embedded devices are used for one specific task while
computers are used for different and complex tasks